Internal-combustion engine



W. E. LAIRD.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

APPLICATIQN FILED MAYZ'I, I919.

Patented June 6, 1922. I I 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1- Invenorr wesle .Lclircl Awa mxxxxxxxx w. E. LAIRDQ INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 27. I919.

Patented June 6', 1922.

SHEET 2- 3 SHEETS w. E. LAIRD.

!NTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED 'MAY 27a l9l9.

' PatentedJune 6, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- s i. V, 6 m 4 N n entree stem? WESLEY E. LAIRD, OF PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.

INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented J line 6, 1922.

Application filed May 27, 1919. Serial No. 800,045.

siding at Pit-tsfield, in the county of Berle shire and State oflllassachusetts, have invented certain new and useful. Improve ments in Internal-Combustion Engines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to internal combus tion engines and has for its object an improved arrangementand disposition ot'parts resulting in a simple, rugged and economically manufactured engine.

More specifically my invention relates to internal combustion engines of the rotary type and has for its object an arrangement which is not only rugged and economical but which is adapted for engines developing large power at high speeds as well-as engines of lower ratings. I

In rotary internal combustion cngines or those in. which the cylinder-structure revolves, it has been found that there are critical values of the speed and the radial length which it is permissible to swing. These values the designer must not exceed in producing engines of large power, because they introduce into the engine structure unsafe mechanical strains. i

In the practice of my invention 1 have overcome these limitations by an arrangement in which the main centrifugal strains are removed from the periphery of-the revolving parts. This I accomplish by m0unting the cylinders near the center of the re volving structure arranged in a manner having the pistons so positioned as to transmit their thrust outwardly in the first instance.

In the further carrying into effect of my invention. I have constructed the cylinder,- its mountingand accessories in a novel manner which lends itself very, expeditiously to manufacturing.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be ascertained from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1. shows a front'elevation of one em shown in section in order to more clearly disclose the structure involved. Fig. 4; is a somewhat enlarged cross-sectional view in a plane passing through the axis of rotation of my engine. Fl 5 is a cross-section taken through a mid-portion of a cylinder on line 5.5 in'Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the rotating spider employed in my inven tion for carrying the cylinders; and Figs. 7. 8 and9 are sections respectively taken on the lines -7'7, 8--8 and 9-9 respectively-in F ig. 6.

Referring now to the drawings, :and to Figs. 1 and 2 in particular, A. denotes generally the engine, which comprises cylinders C mounted in spiderS arranged to turn about the main journal B. The main journal B is secured to and preferably formed integrally with the hollow stud D which is rigidly supported in some convenient sup porting frame shown at F and F "g which frame may be as here represented a portion of the body of a vehicle to be propelled, for instance an aeroplane.

For reasons explained hereinafter more fully in detail I find it cape-client to secure guard. rings, such as shown at G to the cylinders both in front of and in the back thereof. These gut-1rd rings turn with the cylinders and constitute a convenient means to which may be attached the motion transmitting mechanism. As illustrated. when propelling an aeroplane .thisinechanism comprises the hub H carrying the propeller P; the hub being supported from the ring G by means of arms 10 and is coaxially arranged with respect to the journal B.

The spider S, for carrying the cylinders, as is clearly shown in F 6 comprises a bearing portion 12 surrounding and turning upon the journal B, from which spider radiate thetubulararms or webs 13- These arms or webs merge into and terminate in the cylindrical jackets 14 formed to receive and support the cylinders C. The cylinders C, here shown as four in number although obviously any convenient number may be employed, are supported in these jackets 14 with their heads pointing inwardly and with their axes each respectively making angles with a radius of the spider.

These jackets 14 have one end formed internally with :a slight conical bevel, shown at 1-5 to engage with and retain the collar 16 formed integrally on the exterior of the cylinder wall 17 The other end of each jacket 14 is threaded to engage with a corresponding thread on the flanged end 18 of the cylinder wall 17. There thus provided, as shown, a slight annular clearance space 19 between the interior wall of the jacket 14 and the exterior oi the cylinder wall l7. This annular space l9 provides a convenient passage for the supply of explo sive or charging mixture to the inlet ports 20, shown in 6 as opening just below the collar 16, since my engine is designed for two cycle opera tiou.

In order that charging n'iixtures may be fed to the space 19, elongated openings Eli are formed in the wall oi jacket 14.- co|nmunicating with passages 22 in the tubular arms 13, which passages in turn communicate with the chambered recesses "2?) formed in the interior bearing; surface of the bean ing 12. One oi": these recesses 23 corresponds to each jacket i l and is adapted to successively COIDlUllDlTttlJB with the passage 24 somewhat radially disposed in the journal B. The passage 24: connects with, the axial passage 25. which latter passage connects with the interior of the hollow stud D to which the explosive or charging; mixture is fed from any convenient source, for instance a carburetor (not shown).

On the exterior of the jackets M are formed bosses 26 which serve as convenient supports for the guard rings (l. which are shown in Fig. 3 secured thereto by means of bolts 2'7.

@ver the head of each cylinder 0 is drawn a jacket 30. formed, in any convenient manner as by a die. oi sheet metal having); high thermal conductivity. The lower rim 31 of this jacket is secured to the jacket 14; by means of pins or screws 39.. The jacket 30 is preferably formed with small upstanding tins which assist in the cooling of the cylinder C.

The cylinder C. which has the inlet ports 20, is also provided with exhaust ports 4L0 in a different plane to the ports 520 so that open t"o the atmosphere directly through the cylinder wall 17 just above the collar The ports 20 and .0 are preterabl y placed in alternate quadrants as clearly indicator in Fig. :7. Ports 40 are hence o ositely disposed so that currents of air set in motion by movement oi the cylinders in the atmosphere consequently assist in the scavenging. If the port on the rear sides of the cylinders is made larger than the front ones it will assist rotation. in each cylinder reciprocates a piston l-l provided with a. oturrugated head 42 adapted to extend well into the firing chamber 43, as shown in Fig. 3. in. which chamber the explosive or charging mixture is ignited by means of spark plugs M; a pair of spark plugs preferably being pro; vided for each chamber.

From a hub 45 (see Fig. 5) in the centre 01 the piston extends the piston rod L6 which snugly passes through a packing gland t? formed in the closure 1:23 for the otherwise open end. of the cylinder (l; the closure 18 being; also in threaded engagement with the flange 18 on the (.zylindcr wall as shown.

in addition to the ports or openings 20 and l0 in the cylinder wall. 17, there is also provided the openings 45? just above the flange 18 so that they communicate with the annular space 19. This permits the charge of explosive mixture to be drawn into the chamber under the piston tl'irough the openinp's 4:9 by the upstroke oi the piston, in the well known fashion oii two cycle engines.

The piston rods 46 each terminate exteriorly ol the cylinder (I in a ball 50 Formed to engage with a corresponding spherical rec Si in each oil the bail-shaped conuectlug rods The ball retained in this recess by means of a suitably secured ring, such as shown at 53. In this manner is l'ormcd what in reality a universal joint between th piston rods +1.6 and the connecting rods so that each piston is :lfree to rotate a.. oul its axis it need be. The particular connecting rod. denoted 52 in Figs. 3 and 4t, di'll ers from the others in that it is made in tr e'ral with the crank rings 54-. The other rods 52 are all ivivoted thereto as shown at 55'). Rod 5i will be referred to as the nuither rod.

The crank rings at engage with and turn upon cranks or discs 56 eccentric to the journal l3. and are held in place by shoulders 5? turn about one edge o'l each crank ring on one side and by the overhanging rings or hUClilLl'zj 58 on the other side. The rings or keepers are shown as secured in place by screws but obviously any convenient means lior securing them in place is sufiicient.

The cylinders L are each arranged so that its axis makes an acute angle with a radius oi? the spider E's. This angular disposition of the cylinders permits the cylinder-masscs to be titted closely in i l' at the axis of rotation so that high centrrmga] strains in the .rerolvinp parts are thereby avoided. The heads oi" the cylinders are preferably made to point in the direction of rotation since in this manner l not a diminishing angle between a piston rod 416 and a connecting rod 5:2 during; the power stroke, which diminishing angle in large measure compensates :lor the oli'set arrangement of the cylinders.

lhirh spark plug 41-4 is connected by con-- veniently disposed wires (ll) to insulating segments 61 on the guard rings (l 3 there beinn tour segments on each guard ring. These insulating segments 61 on rings are each provided with aconducting blade 62, which serves as the commutator for supplying the ignition to the cylinders G in proper sei ii na aevs quence. These conducting blades 62 act'to draw an electric charge from one of the rings 63 as it rotates past such rings.

The rings 63 as shown in .Fi g. 2 are mounted on spaced insulating collars 64 carried by the tube (55. This tube has init electrical conductors 66 leading from suitable sources of .electromotive force (such. as a magneto and battery) supplying the current for ignition. l The tube 65 is held in position by means of two radius rods 6? projecting from and turning with thesleeve 68, which is journalcd on the stud D. An upstanding rib 69 on the sleeve 68 is conveniently formed with teeth adapted to engage with the worm 70. By rotating worm 70, the tube 65 can be moved one way or the other through a limited arc of a circle. The point in the rotation of a cylinder where the spark for igniting the explosive mixture in acylinder can in this manner be movech .so that the tiring is thus advanced or retarded as may be desired. v

Suspended from the rear guard ring G, is the annular plate 71, secured in concentric relation thereto by means of arms '72,

precisely as is hub H on the fl ront guard ring G.- by means of arms 10. This annular plate 71 hasinternal-gear teeth adapted to engage. with the spur gear '73 carried by shaft 74: ,journaled in suitable bearings {to conveniently located on the frame F. .The shaft 74; may be conveniently connected to a magneto or to a starting device.

The arms 10 and '72 are preferably somewhat web-shaped and are arranged illO have a tan action when rotating in order to draw in air, and supply it to the central openings .in the guard rings G. Theair l ed into this inner central portion oi the guard rings (5- the rotation of the engine, is subsequently impelled, by centrifugal .force to move rapidly out over the cylinders C andcool them. It is thus seen that the arrangement of the hub H, and annular plate T1 on guard rings U cooperate to provide a forced air circulating means forcooling the migine.

T he operation of my engine is as follows:

Let us assume that there charge of explosive mixttu'e compressed under [the pisston it in the cylinder in the position marked a in Fig. 23. lhis cylinder is about to draw a spark itrom the rings 63 as it is rotated clockwise. TV hen the spark is drawn the mixtiuo in the cylinder explodes and the piston begins its power stroke. the rotation continuing in the clockwise direction. When the cylinder has reached position I) in li 3, the power stroke is about haltcompleted; the angle between the piston rod 4:6 and connecting rod 52 now being very small.

Then the cylinder has reached position 0 in Fig. 3, the power stroke has been completed. The exhaust ports 40 have not only been uncovered so that products of combustion mayescapebutthe inlet ports 20 have also been uncovered and comunmication established with ports t9 which are not covered by the piston in its limiting position here shown.

lVhile the cylinder is rotating from positionc to al, the newly admitted charge above the piston ll is being compressed preparatory to being ignited ii or another power stroke. When positional is reached the annular space 1931's placed in comn'uinication with the supply passage. 25, through tubular passages 18 by the uncovering of passage 24; as the bearing portion 12 rotates. (See ;Figs. 3 andG.)

The now partially evacuated spacecunder the piston 41 creates a strong suction quickly to draw another chargeot eigploslve mixture from the source of supply (such as the carburetor previously mentioned) as the cylinder rotates from position 55 to a.

Any suitable lubricating system for the engine of my invention may be employed but as the lubricating system is not a part of my present invention, its showing has been omitted (from the drawings in the interest .ot clearness.

The-provision of a pair of sparkplugs 4A. one on each side of a cylinder, and each supplied with current independently from a commutating segment on the guard ring (3: on its side of the engine provides a rugged, durable and very sure ignition mechanism.

The use of bail-shaped-conuecting rods also insures a balanced transmission of powerto sthe cral'lks, which automatically insures the alignmento'l the .connectingrods.

lVhile I have here shown .a preterre-d embodiment of my invention which is at QDL'G? ent .the best means known to me for carryin any invention into effect. I would have it understood that this is merely illustrative in compliance with the patent statutes and that I .do not .mean to be limited to the precise details here show-n, nor restricted in the choice of recognized equivalents except as defined in my claims hereunto annexed.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States. is:

,1. In an internal combustion engine. the combination with a stationary member having arjournal and two crank portions, of a rotating member turning about said journal portion and provided with cylinders havtheir axes angula-rly inclined to the radii of said rotating member, the heads of I said cylinders being disposed adjacent the central portion, of said rotating member, the piston rods thereof projecting away fron said central portion, and a .U-shaped connecting rod astride each piston rod having a universal connection therewith ar ranged to transmit equal portions of the power generated in each cylinder stroke to each crank portion.

In an internal combustion engine, the combination with a stationary member having a journal and crank portions, oi": a rotating member turning about said journal. portion and provided with. cylinders having their axes angularly inclined to the radii. oil said rotating member, the heads of said cylinders being disposed adjacent the central portion oi said rotating member and pointing in the direction. of rotation, the piston rods thcreot projecting away from said. central portion and terminating in a ball, and bail-shaped connecting rods pro vided with sockets in their central portions to rece ve said balls, said last mentioned rods being connected to transmit power to said crank portions.

3. in an internal comlmstion-engine, the combinzdion with. a stationary member hav ing journal and crank portions, oi? a retating member provided with supporting jackets and power generating cylinders disposed therein and arranged in offset position and having closedheads, their firing headsheing disposed adjacent said journal portion; said rotating member turning about said journal portion and "formed to cover and uncover the ports supplying explosive mixture to said closed cylinders in the course of its rotation, and means for transmitting power to said rotating member.

4-. In an internal combustion engine, the combination with a stationary member having a journal. and crank portions and provided with passages adapted to teed the supply of explosive mixture, of a rotating member provided with jackets having their axes angularly inclined to the radii ot the rotating member, said jackets having passages arranged to communicate periodically with said supply passages in. the course of a revolution of said rotating member, ported cylinders secured in said jackets, and means for transmitting the power generated in said.

cylinders to said crank portions.

5. A rotating member for internal conibustion engii'ies ol the two-cycle type, comprising a central journal portion termed to serve as a valve controlling the supply of explosive mixture, web portions provided with passages to conduct away the charge of explosive mixture released by said valve action, and jackets arrz'inged tor supporting the cylinders, for receiving said charge, and for aecommodating the transfer of the charge from one portion of the cylinder to another.

6, The combiim-tion with a rotating member for internal combustion engines provided with annular jackets, of cylinders provided with flanges to engage the walls of said. ackets and support the cylinders 111 said jackets in. spaced relation thereto, and

for two-cycle operation, of a piston having a closed head provided with outside corrugations projecting into the combustion chamber, a piston rod rigidly secured in said piston and a power transmitting connection having a ball and socket connection with said piston rod, whereby said piston is tree to rotate but will always provide a deflecting portion for the incoming charge adja cent an inlet port.

8. In an internal combustion engine, the combination. with a stationary member, of a rotating member, power generating cylinders carried by said r tating member, a guard-ring secured to said cylinders on each side oi the common axial plane, and accessory members suspended from said rings an ;l'arranged to cooperate therewith in pro ducing a fan action when rotating to force cooling air over said cylinders.

9. In an internal combustionengine, the

combination with a supporting member, of.

a cylinder provided with flanges to engage with said member, and a thermally conducting jacket drawn over the head of said cylinder and in intimate contact therewith and retained in place by said supporting member.

10. in. an internal combustion engine, the coi'nbimition with a supporting member, of a cylinder secured thereon, a piston having a piston rod rigidly connected thereto. and a U-shaped connecting rod arranged to straddle said piston rod and having a universal-joint connection to said piston rod.

lll. In a two-cycle internal combustion engine, the combination with an annular supporting member, o'l' a cylinder secin'ed thereto and formed to have its inlet ports disposed in two opposite quadrants in one plane and its exhaust ports in the alternate opposite quadrants in another plane of the wall of: the cylinder; said exhaust ports being arranged to exhaust directly to the atmosphere in the line of rotation, one of said ports leading, the other following, whereby relative movements of the cylinder and the air of the atmosphere assist in scavenging.

In testimony whereof I, hereunto aliix' my signature.

WESLEY E. amp. 

